Jonathan Rea renewed with Kawasaki until 2020

After having been appointed to MotoGP, Jonathan Rea has chosen – as would be expected – for the renewal with Kawasaki at the Superbike World Championship. It continues a successful partnership that lasts from 2015, with the rider counting already three consecutive titles.

According to a statement, the new agreement is for two years (2019 and 2020) and according to the manufacturer it’s a proof of his ‘commitment to be an integral part of the WorldSBK Championship itself and its desire to continue its development of ever-improving machines for both the marketplace and WorldSBK racing use.’.

Guim Roda, Kawasaki’s team manager, didn’t hide his satisfaction with Rea’s continuity: ‘We can celebrate that Johnny decides to stay two more years in Kawasaki and running in WorldSBK. It is important that he has decided that WorldSBK is the place that still makes him motivated. I’m sure many fans would like to see him running with the top guys in MotoGP, but we can ask the guys from MotoGP to come here to see the battle too’.

The official added: ‘The level Rea has now is so high and this only will make the level of other riders and manufacturers in WorldSBK increase. All will be forced to give their maximum to beat Johnny, so we all must be happy and motivated. Of course, we all will continue working to improve the package so I’m sure the show will continue. Other riders and manufacturers will need to work hard if wants to have the honour of being a WorldSBK Champion. The show must go on’.